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Browsing Miscellaneous by Subject "Agricultural productivity"
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- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 15, No. 3(1990-09) IFDCThis report provides an overview of the role of the private sector in the marketing and distribution of fertilizers in Bangladesh. Historically, the government was responsible for determining the types and quantities of imported fertilizers. However, through the USAID/IFDC project, the private sector has now been actively involved in this process. The increased use of fertilizers is crucial in improving agricultural productivity in Bangladesh, as the available land for crop production is limited. Introducing a free and competitive marketing system has led to record-breaking yields in crop production and significant cost savings for the national economy. Despite the growth in fertilizer use, average consumption in Bangladesh remains relatively low compared to other Asian countries. The involvement of over 50,000 private dealers in fertilizer marketing has increased accessibility and reduced prices for farmers. This report highlights the positive impact of private sector participation in the fertilizer industry and emphasizes the potential for further agricultural development in Bangladesh.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 17, No. 2(1992-06) IFDCThis report summarizes the findings and outcomes of an international workshop organized by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The workshop, held in Tampa, Florida, in March 1992, aimed to address the growing environmental challenges faced by the global phosphate fertilizer industry. Delegates and experts from 19 countries participated in the workshop, focusing on environmentally driven technical, economic, regulatory, and political issues affecting the industry. The deliberations at the workshop covered various critical topics, including the required technologies and products for optimal agricultural productivity, the environmental concerns associated with phosphate fertilizer production, the management and technology strategies to address emerging environmental issues, the costs of complying with existing or proposed regulatory scenarios, and the alternatives available for building a more environmentally sustainable phosphate fertilizer industry. Additionally, the workshop aimed to assess how these environmental issues impact farmers' ability to produce an abundant supply of affordable food and fiber in developed and developing economies. Despite differing opinions, the workshop concluded with a consensus on several key points. Firstly, the industry has made progress in responding to environmental pressures, but more work remains. Secondly, there is a need for further research to ensure that environmental regulations are based on sound scientific foundations. Lastly, environmental regulations' economic implications are global, necessitating comprehensive research and a focused approach to address the potential global economic impact. This report provides valuable insights into the environmental challenges the phosphate fertilizer industry faces. It highlights the need for sustainable industrial development and responsible environmental stewardship to ensure agricultural productivity while safeguarding the environment. The findings are a basis for future initiatives and actions to create a more environmentally benign phosphate fertilizer industry.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 18, No. 1(1983-03) IFDCThis report summarizes the assistance the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) provided to the Government of Egypt in policy reform and dealer training. The report showcases the expertise and professionalism of the IFDC team, which conducted thorough technical, organizational, and systemic analyses of the impact of policy reforms related to fertilizer production, marketing, and usage. The recommendations in the report result from meticulous research, field investigations, and careful consideration of the obtained data. The IFDC team, comprising Ian Gregory, Dr Loren E. Ahlrichs, and Dr S. S. Sidhu, collaborated with Dr Lyle E. Brenneman, a Cooperative Business Consultant, and four Egyptian consultants during their visit to Egypt from January to April 1993. The team's primary objectives were to assess the impact of enacted policy changes on various sectors, such as the farm sector, fertilizer production companies, Principal Bank for Development and Agricultural Credit (PBDAC), and the private sector. Additionally, they aimed to identify further policy changes necessary for fostering an open and competitive market for fertilizers and pesticides. The report details the team's economic analysis, which compared the pre-reform period (1979-1985) with the reform period (1985-1991) using secondary data. It also examines the effects of policy changes on fertilizer distribution in the private and cooperative sectors. The current fertilizer and pesticide marketing system is evaluated based on field visits and production factory assessments conducted in January and February 1993. Furthermore, the report outlines the future development and additional policy changes required to establish an open and competitive market system. The recommendations put forth by the policy team primarily focus on ex-factory pricing principles and promoting greater competition in fertilizer distribution. The Egyptian fertilizer market has undergone privatization since July 1991, allowing the private and cooperative sectors to purchase directly from factories and import fertilizers. The report emphasizes the importance of continued policy reforms to ensure the sustained development of an open and competitive market.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 18, No. 4(1983-12) IFDCThis report highlights the recent collaboration between the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and various stakeholders in Albania to lay the groundwork for a national agricultural statistical system. The project, sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development, aimed to create an area sampling frame (ASF) that would enable reliable data collection for agricultural decision-making and policy formulation. The ASF design focused on estimating cropland areas, forecasting crop production, and monitoring fertilizer application. The study team conducted surveys, utilized satellite imagery, and employed a computerized system to facilitate data storage, estimation, and analysis. The developed ASF is adaptable and versatile, allowing for future surveys and reporting on various agricultural aspects. Implementing this agricultural statistical system is expected to increase agricultural productivity and sustain Albania's free market economy.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 20, No. 4(1995-12) IFDCThis report provides an overview of the IFDC (International Fertilizer Development Center) project to increase Bangladeshi farmers' agricultural productivity and market access. The project addresses the need for improved access to agricultural inputs such as high-yielding seeds, fertilizer, and machinery to boost crop yields and meet the growing food demands of the country's population. The report highlights the successful implementation of the Agro-Based Industry and Technology Development Project (ATDP), which builds upon the achievements of previous initiatives in privatizing fertilizer distribution and improving availability across the country. With the establishment of a private agribusiness sector, the project aims to reduce poverty by creating more productive employment opportunities in agriculture. Considering Bangladesh's population growth rate and the stagnation in food production per capita, the report emphasizes the importance of progress in agricultural production for the nation's future well-being. It underscores the potential impact of the IFDC project in increasing investment in agribusiness and creating competitive markets for agricultural products, benefiting both local agribusinesses and export markets. The report also highlights IFDC's involvement in other global initiatives, such as the Desert Margins Initiative, Soil, Water, and Nutrient Management Initiative, and Alternatives to Slash-and-Burn Initiative. These initiatives address land degradation, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and reduce deforestation in various regions.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 25, No. 1(2000-06) IFDCThis publication highlights the efforts of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in Kosovo to rebuild the agribusiness sector and foster economic development in the aftermath of the conflict. With funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), IFDC collaborated with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other entities to transform the state-run agricultural system into a competitive market. The publication sheds light on the challenges faced by the Kosovar people and the role played by various stakeholders in revitalizing the agricultural sector. It emphasizes the significance of sustainable agriculture in fueling economic growth, increasing food production, and raising the population's living standards. The material underscores the pivotal role of IFDC in providing technical expertise, promoting trade associations, and facilitating policy reform to support the transition to a market-based agricultural system. Through its initiatives, IFDC aims to create a brighter future for the people of Kosovo by leveraging agriculture as a catalyst for prosperity and peace.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 28, No. 1(2003-06) IFDCThis publication highlights the innovative approach of the Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) project, developed by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), to stimulate agricultural development in West Africa. The project aims to disseminate information and knowledge about ISFM among farmer organizations, agricultural input dealers, and policymakers at the village and regional levels. The study focuses on the experiences of Madja Koumboguidja and his wife Gbanyab, two Togolese farmers who have successfully implemented ISFM practices on their 3-hectare farm. The region where the farmers reside receives limited rainfall, and the soil fertility is extremely low, posing significant challenges to crop production. Madja and Gbanyab adopted an innovative farming system that integrates crop, livestock, and agroforestry elements to overcome these obstacles. They gradually intensified agricultural production by combining organic and mineral fertilizers, implementing erosion control measures, and employing crop association, rotation, and diversification techniques. The study illustrates how the adoption of ISFM practices transformed the lives of Madja and his family. With increased agricultural productivity, they could improve their livelihoods, feed their family, purchase agricultural equipment, increase their livestock, and send their five children to school. Their farming system's success was achieved by adapting management strategies tailored to different soil types, field histories, rainfall patterns, crop associations, and available financial resources. The findings of this publication demonstrate the potential of ISFM in overcoming soil fertility limitations and improving agricultural productivity. The experiences of Madja and Gbanyab inspire other farmers and provide valuable insights for policymakers and organizations working in the agricultural sector. The ISFM project, facilitated by IFDC and partner organizations, holds promise for sustainable agricultural development in West Africa and beyond.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 32, No. 2(2007-06) IFDCThis report provides an overview of the "From Thousands to Millions, or 1000s+" project initiated by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in West Africa. The project aims to enhance agricultural productivity and economic growth for one million farm families (approximately ten million people) in the region by implementing the Competitive Agricultural Systems and Enterprises (CASE) approach. The CASE approach focuses on improving soil fertility, facilitating farmers' access to input and output markets, and strengthening agribusiness enterprises. The report highlights the significant increase in crop yields, agricultural revenues, and farm incomes observed in areas where CASE has been implemented, benefiting around 150,000 farmers. The project is set to expand to reach additional countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo. It emphasizes the development of action plans for agribusiness clusters and the importance of building trust and linkages among various stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. The report also outlines the projected outputs of the 1000s+ project, including increased agricultural productivity and income growth for rural farm households, expanded environmentally sustainable production, improved food security, enhanced private sector services to farmers, and strengthened institutional capacities. The report acknowledges the challenges in sustaining market linkages and expresses optimism about leveraging opportunities for change and development in West Africa's agricultural sector.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 36, No. 1(2011) IFDCThis report highlights the challenge faced by Kyrgyzstan in meeting its domestic demand for edible oil, as only 29 percent of the country's consumption is produced domestically. The rest is imported at higher prices, placing the burden on consumers. Although there is potential for increased sunflower oil production, the country lacks the necessary resources to meet demand. The report discusses the success of the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Kyrgyz Agro-Input Enterprise Development project, which aimed to expand oil crop acreage and productivity. Through a public-private partnership, the project facilitated planting of high-quality sunflower seeds on 250 hectares of land, resulting in significant yield improvements and economic returns. The report also highlights successful training programs conducted by IFDC in Nigeria, Thailand, and Vietnam and the early progress made by the Kyrgyzstan Agro-Input Enterprise Development Follow-On project. The report also discusses the effectiveness of voucher programs in Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Rwanda in improving fertilizer access and crop yields. It presents IFDC's efforts to combat counterfeit and adulterated agricultural inputs in Africa.